espn.com Ali Contest
A week in New Orleans has left Page 2's Bill Simmons short on sleep but long on knowledge. As Super Bowl weekend arrives, our man offers opinions on Mariah Carey, "Madden Bowl 2002," the best prop bets, the worst sideshow events ... and, oh yeah, who will win the big game between the Pats and Rams. SPORTS GUY'S RAMBLINGS




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The experts predict Super Bowl XXXVI will get out of hand in a hurry, so you might need a few diversions to entertain your party guests. Never fear, Page 2's Jim Caple is here with a bevy of games that promise to keep any blowout interesting. For more fun, you can vote on this week's case of The Berman Files, as we try to find a nickname for Mike Martz.

Sportoon Tale of the Tape
The most sophisticated defense on Super Sunday won't be planned by Bill Belichick or Lovie Smith. Security outside the Superdome will be at unprecedented levels, and Page 2 cartoonist Kurt Snibbe offers his impressions of just how difficult it will be to get through the gates.
The eyes of the sports world are on the Big Easy, but next week we'll be focused on Salt Lake City. At first glance, these two cities couldn't be more different -- once you throw out their common tie to the NBA's Jazz. Page 2's Nick Bakay compares them in his Tale of the Tape.


You've already checked out Page 2's list of the Top 10 commercials introduced during a Super Bowl, so now it's your turn. We've compiled your top 10 along with a poll to crown the No. 1 Super Bowl commercial ever.
10]  Budweiser: "Cedric" (2001)
Actually a public service announcement: Never, ever dance with a bottle in your hand.
9]  McDonald's: "Showdown" (1993)
The off-the-scoreboard, off-the-expressway shots are amusing, but the ad works because they're almost believable.
8]  Pepsi: "Security Camera" (1996)
Another in the series of Coke-Pepsi rivalry commercials.
7]   Monster.com: "When I Grow Up" (1999)
The kids look smart and ironic while the rest of us come off like dopes.
  • GET THE FULL LIST


SUPER BOWL FAVORITE LINE UNDERDOG O/U
Sunday Rams 14 Patriots 53½
RAMS PROPOSITION BET PATS
-220 Team to score first +180
-180 Team to score last +140
-105 Team to receive kickoff -105
-200 Team to make longest FG +160
-Even Most penalty yards -130
-220 Team to score last in first half +180
All Times ET -- Bold indicates home team
Complete Line


 
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WIND OF CHANGE
Chris Connelly has already observed one great game in New Orleans -- the nightlife mating rituals -- and he's hoping to see another one Sunday.

THE SPORTS GUY
Page 2's Bill Simmons has ruffled some feathers in New Orleans, but he says it was all in good fun.

THE HOT LIST
Page 2's Dan Shanoff shows you what you need to know to impress your friends and co-workers at your Super Bowl party.

A WHOLE WORLD
Ralph Wiley dishes off to Big Sleep, a 23-year-old NBA baller, for the real inside scoop on the first half of the NBA season.
If your favorite writer isn't on Page 2 today, click here to check out our full roster of columnists.


Our week of Super Bowl matches continues, as we pair Patriots linebacker Willie McGinest, left, with rapper Xzibit. Page 2 has received five requests for this match. Browse our archives of past pairs or click here to submit a future duo for Page 2.

Men's hoops: South Florida at Louisville
7 p.m. ET, ESPN
Couple of teams needing Conference USA wins.
 
NHL young stars game
9 p.m. ET, ESPN
Hopefully more competitive than the real All-Stars.
 
NHL superskills All-Star exhibition
10 p.m. ET, ESPN
Retired Ray Bourque lets someone else capture accuracy contest.
 
• Complete TV Listings


If you missed Page 2 over the last week, check out our back issues:
• Thurs., Jan. 31: Public Enemy
• Wed., Jan. 30: Media Day
• Tues., Jan. 29: Queasy in the Easy
• Mon., Jan. 28: Bliss on the Bayou
Other featured content:
• Being Bill Belichick
• Being Kurt Warner
• Bizarre & Bogus: Mike Tyson edition
• Win, Lose or Draw: Super storylines
• Power Poll
• Mystery Photo responses
Weekend Edition, Feb. 1-3, 2002
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